PS4 supports voice commands and facial recognition

Sony confirms PlayStation Camera-enabled functionality

PS4 will support voice commands and facial recognition made possible by the PlayStation Camera. The functionality was revealed during a Sony presentation held last week at the GameStop Expo 2013, where a description of the camera shown to attendees read: "From navigational voice commands to facial recognition, the PlayStation Camera adds incredible innovation to your gaming."

Sean Coleman, Sony Computer Entertainment America's group manager of retail training and advocacy, said at the event: "When you add the PlayStation Camera into the mix, the pair work together to expand upon system features and enhance your PlayStation 4 experience. The new stereoscopic lenses track your body movements in games or even recognise your face [for] easier system navigation."

Sony hasn’t confirmed the extent of the PS Camera's capabilities and how it will be used to enhance system navigation and gaming experiences, but the company subsequently said in a statement issued to Polygon: “Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm that PlayStation Camera allows for voice recognition and we will look forward to sharing more details in the lead up to the [European] launch of PlayStation 4 on November 29."

While Microsoft will bundle Kinect with every Xbox One console, ensuring developers can utilise the 3D camera safe in the knowledge that every user will have one, Sony opted not to bundle PS Camera with PS4 as standard in order to keep the system’s retail price down. A Killzone: Shadow Fall PS4 hardware bundle currently listed on Amazon France's website includes the PS Eye and two DualShock 4 controllers for €500, €1 more than Xbox One costs in Europe.

During its GameStop Expo presentation, Sony also said it has partnered with over 21 third-party developers to secure a range of “exclusive game content” for PlayStation platforms.